You’ve done all you can, prepared a world class professional resume or kick-ass proposal. A few days later you receive a phone call. They are interested in conducting a preliminary interview over the phone.

While the phone is a less common medium for interviews these days, with the advent of Skype and Google Handouts, they are actually still quite prevalent for the busy Recruiter/Hiring Manager/Investor.

You are given a time for the phone interview. Now how do you prepare?

No worries – Here are five simple techniques to ensure your success.

Tip #1 for a Phone Interview: Make Sure Your Equipment is Fully Functional.

Chances are, you only use a cell phone so make sure that it is fully charged. You should also make sure that you are in an area with great reception, so if your home has spotty connection issues go to a quiet place where service is guaranteed.

Have your phone compatible earphone or Bluetooth earphone ready and waiting. The phone interview may go on for some time and you don’t want to be holding your phone to your ear for an extended period. Free hands will also come in handy for Tip# 5.

Tip#2: Do Your Homework. Research the Company or Investor.

In many ways a phone interview is the same as a face to face interview and the interviewer will be asking many of the interview questions that you are familiar with. Especially, the all-important question “How do you think you can add value?” A good answer to this question requires that you have a firm understanding of what the company’s/Investor’s activities and goals are.

Tip #3: Eliminate All Interruptions

You want to concentrate on your interview and you don’t want your interviewer to be assaulted by background noise coming from your surroundings. Therefore, if people have to be around you while you are being interviewed make sure they understand that they have to be silent. Similarly, ask a friend to babysit or take your dog for a walk, if necessary.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget To Smile.

Even though the interviewer can’t see you, your body language will still be transmitted.

According to research, persons can differentiate vocal intonation not only between a smile and a non-smile but among different types of smile. “Smiling affects how we speak, to the point that listeners can actually identify the type of smile based on sound alone…”. Not to mention that 84% of the message over a phone is your tone of voice, so making sure that “smiling tone” comes through is imperative.

Tip #5: Move Your Body To Increase Energy.

Ever seen those movies where the sales personnel gets up from their desk and walks around in order to close a deal? Well, that’s because walking around, making hand gestures or even standing alone increases passion and energy.

Think about it, when you are arguing passionately, it’s almost impossible to do so without gesticulating. Accordingly, if you want a high energy invigorating successful Phone Interview, make sure to move about.

There you have it, five simple Tips for a Successful Phone Interview, now you are ready to land that job or close that deal. Just be confident, you did your homework and you are ready to rock.